Former Vice-President Walter Mondale is mourning the passing of his running mate in 1984. Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman on a major party presidential ticket, has died. She was 75. A statement released by her family says she had a blood cancer.

Mondale, the Democratic candidate for President in 1984, chose Ferraro as his vice-presidential pick in 1984. He says she sshowed a new generation of women they should seek out elective office.

“I think she changed America,” Mondale told MPR News. “I think many more women hold offices, run for offices and are in high positions across the board in American life. I think her example had a lot to do with it. She was a very nice person, a really strong believer in social justice, she had a great family that she loved. She’s an old friend of mine, and Joan and I deeply regret her passing.

Ferraro was a Congresswoman from New York when Mondale chose her to run with him against incumbents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush.

About the blogger

Tom Scheck has covered politics and state government for more than ten years for MPR News. He’s covered several gubernatorial campaigns, two statewide recounts, the presidential bids of Tim Pawlenty and Michele Bachmann, U.S. Senate races, close Congressional contests and the Minnesota Legislature. He lives in Falcon Heights with his wife, son and dog. He can sometimes be found chasing a white ball on a golf course. It isn’t a straight walk. Tips are welcome at tscheck@mpr.org